Shield. Red, white, and blue comprise our national colors and together celebrate the life of John C. Patterson, who served his nation in the Union Army and as a surfman and station keeper in the U.S. Life-Saving Service. John Patterson, a life-long New Jerseyan born in the town of Howell in 1834, volunteered as a private during the outbreak of the Civil War in July of 1862. The shape of the shield is that of the New Jersey’s 14th Militia Regiment coat of arms, and the three scarlet piles echo the three plows on the New Jersey coat of arms. The stars represent Patterson’s superior leadership in the famous battles of the Maryland and Virginia campaigns, resulting in his quick promotion through the officer grades. After the war, Patterson signed on as a surfman at the U.S. Life-Saving Service Station located at Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and he would serve as the keeper of Station Shark River from 1883 until he retired in 1886. On July 27th, 1885, Patterson and his crew of surfman were subjected to an extreme test of tenacity and expertise when a heavy onshore gale greatly distressed and flooded a small sloop, Foam, with three souls onboard. The piles terminating into stars represent the multiple attempts to fire a shot-line to the sloop and rig their breeches buoy. The silver oars symbolize the decision to haul the surfboat to shore and the endurance it took to launch the boat twice through heavy surf and high winds, in addition to recognizing the six men under Patterson's charge who received Silver Lifesaving Medals. Finally, Patterson and his crew reached the survivors in time to pull them into the surfboat from the sinking yacht. By the time Patterson, his crew, and the three survivors reached the shore, a crowd of nearly 4,000 spectators had gathered to witness their heroic rescue. As with his Army service in the Civil War, Keeper Patterson demonstrated exceptional technical knowledge and devotion to duty as a lifesaver and a leader.
Crest. The colors gold, red, and white are from the Gold Lifesaving Medal, symbolizing John C. Patterson’s endeavors to save lives from the perils of the sea on July 27th, 1885. The life-saving ring is colored red to symbolize John Patterson’s courage under great pressure. The horse’s head, from the New Jersey coat of arms crest, symbolizes the swift deployment of nearby horses to haul the surfboat to shore. The life-saving ring and horse’s head together represent the quick thinking required of all Coast Guardsmen.
Supporters. The boat hook was one of the traditional tools used by U.S. Life-Saving Service members. The rifle denotes Patterson’s heroic legacy and service to our nation during the Civil War.
Motto. Gold, red and white represent the Gold Lifesaving Medal, and “INTREPID LEADERSHIP,” characterizes the rescue efforts of John Patterson as the Station’s Keeper and how he conducted himself during his various roles of service. Through dedication and professionalism, the crew of USCGC JOHN PATTERSON will strive to emulate his actions and carry on John C. Patterson’s legacy.
Seal. The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a circular light blue background, enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outside with a gold rope, inscribed “USCGC JOHN PATTERSON” above and below “WPC 1153,” all gold¬.